A large swarm moving into a bait hive on June 19, 2010.
A swarm that has landed on a bluebird box. Fortunately, no birds were harmed.
Honey bees swarm as a way of reproducing their colony. Swarms are not a threat to people. Before the bees leave the hive as a swarm, they will fill up with food (their honey). This tends to make them more docile. They are not as defensive as they would be when they are occupying a hive.
If you see a swarm of honey bees, please do not spray them, call a beekeeper to come and remove them.
Above are some examples of what a swarm of bees looks like. All of these were safely captured and installed into bee hives.
Swarm and Colony Removal Services
We occasionally remove swarms in Blacksburg, VA. If we can't come get them, we can refer you to other beekeepers that will.
Usually swarm removal is free if the bees have not been sprayed, and they are relatively easy to access.
Generally, I do not do cutouts of honey bee colonies anymore. If you need bees removed from structures go to the New River Valley Beekeepers Association website (nrvba.org) and look for contacts for honey bee removal.
For swarm removal in Blacksburg call- 540-320-0763 or go to the website for NRVBA.
Usually swarm removal is free if the bees have not been sprayed, and they are relatively easy to access.
Generally, I do not do cutouts of honey bee colonies anymore. If you need bees removed from structures go to the New River Valley Beekeepers Association website (nrvba.org) and look for contacts for honey bee removal.
For swarm removal in Blacksburg call- 540-320-0763 or go to the website for NRVBA.
A colony in the wall of an old farmhouse.
A colony in the ceiling of a research facility.
